Sleeve for beverage containers

ABSTRACT

This combination beverage sleeve and coaster for cold beverages provides a new method for using a double wide wrist sweatband. Constructed from a blend of cotton terry cloth, nylon, rubber and spandex, it adapts to numerous sizes of bottles (glass or plastic), cans and other cold beverage containers, as well as glassware and small decanters. This invention is a versatile, durable, portable and machine washable product that is economical to use and environmentally friendly.

BACKGROUND

[0001] Various designs developed for cold beverage holders formed from materials and coasters in one form or another have been in common use for a considerable period. The prior designs include many beverage holders, but none just like this presentation.

[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,315 issued to Shelby on Aug. 29, 1995, is for a beverage sleeve formed from substantially rigid paperboard sheet. The sheet includes a number of creases that allow it to be folded into a rectangular sleeve. A bottom portion is included that spans the lower portion of the sleeve to prevent a beverage container from sliding through the sleeve.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,983 issued to Graham on Feb. 22, 2000, describes a combination beverage container sleeve and coaster formed from a single sheet of cardboard or similar material. The sheet is scored and folded to form a hexagonal sleeve. A hexagonal “coaster portion” is attached to the lower edge of the sheet and fastens across the bottom of the sleeve to prevent damage to surfaces upon which the container is placed.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 2,081,409 issued to Rush on May 25, 1937 discloses a circular beverage holder with a bottom tab without a coaster and a slanted top.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 2,071,399 issued to Gambell on Feb. 23, 1937, is a drinking glass protector with foldable, semi-circular halves and a circular bottom.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 1,917,953 issued to Davis on Jul. 11, 1933, discloses an absorbent, disposable holder for a glass.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 2,117,102 issued to Pittler on May 10, 1938, discloses a serving dish with a central octagonal glass holder.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 2,058,915 issued to Scholl on Oct. 27, 1936, is a drip-protecting holder for a bottle with some type of adhesion and a bottom flap.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 1,891,892 issued to Pipkin on Dec. 20, 1932, discloses a drip catching bottle holder consisting of a bag with a folded bottom.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 1,632,347 issued to Pipkin on Jun. 14, 1927, discloses another drip catching bottle holder consisting of a paper bag or cup with apertures.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,146 issued to Stratton on Jul. 20, 1982 teaches a moisture absorbent disposable coaster for a beverage container having a bottom and pleated sides that wrap around the lower sides of the container.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,418,861 issued to McFarland on Dec. 6, 1983 discloses a hexagonal paperboard container.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,089 issued to Raab on Jan. 22, 1991, discloses an insulating wrap which fits around the circumference of the beverage and is secured with hook and loop holding material.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,806 issued to Parchman on Dec. 8, 1998 is for an inflatable beverage container.

[0015] While other variations exist, the above-mentioned designs for beverage sleeves and coasters are typical of those encountered. The following is the objective of this patent application:

[0016] To provide a combination coaster/cold beverage sleeve adaptable to plastic/glass bottles and aluminum cans of various sizes and configurations.

[0017] A combination coaster/beverage sleeve that will insulate the user and delicate surface from cold and moisture.

[0018] A combination coaster/beverage sleeve that can be easily and quickly attached to a plastic/glass bottle or aluminum can by slipping the sleeve over the top of the plastic/glass bottle or aluminum can.

[0019] A combination coaster/beverage sleeve that is capable of displaying advertising.

[0020] A combination coaster/beverage sleeve that will conform easily to the curved shape of a plastic/glass bottle or aluminum can.

[0021] A combination coaster/beverage sleeve that is washable and reuseable.

[0022] Finally, it is an objective of the invention to provide a coaster/beverage sleeve that will be absorbent and will keep sweating aluminum cans and plastic/glass bottles from dripping on a user's hands, clothing or surface that the can or bottle is setting on. This objective is accomplished by this coaster/beverage sleeve by absorbing condensation from the top of the cold beverage container, as well as a wicking action that prevents moisture from forming on the bottom of the cold beverage container.

[0023] While some of the objectives of this patent application are disclosed in prior applications, none of the inventions found include all of the requirements identified above.

SUMMARY

[0024] This patent application addresses all of the deficiencies of prior coasters and cup holders and satisfies all of the objectives described above.

[0025] A combination coaster and cup holder providing the desired features may be constructed as follows. The beverage sleeve is an elongated tubular band having an opening on both ends, allowing the user to fit onto the glass/plastic bottle, can or other cold beverage container. The sleeve will be made with an elastic/cotton blended absorbent material that will easily stretch over the glass/plastic bottle, can, or other cold beverage container and fit snugly on the container. It will also be sweat absorbing such that the glass/plastic bottle, can, or other cold beverage container will not drip on any other surfaces. Logos or other information may be contained on the sleeve. These and other objects and features of the present invention will be better understood and appreciated from the following detailed description of the main embodiment thereof, selected for purposes of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:

[0027]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the absorbent beverage sleeve and coaster holding an aluminum 12 oz. can;

[0028]FIG. 2 is an end view drawing of the absorbent beverage sleeve and coaster;

[0029]FIG. 3 is a side view drawing of the absorbent beverage sleeve and coaster showing a depiction of the inside seam;

[0030]FIG. 4 is an application drawing of the absorbent beverage sleeve and coaster on a 24 oz. plastic water bottle;

[0031]FIG. 5 is an application drawing of the absorbent beverage sleeve and coaster on a 12 oz. glass beer bottle;

[0032]FIG. 6 is an application drawing of the absorbent beverage sleeve and coaster on a 40 oz. refillable plastic beverage container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered components in the drawings is as follows:

[0034]1. Outside diameter of absorbent beverage sleeve and coaster

[0035]2. Double thickness of absorbent material

[0036]3. Inside diameter of absorbent beverage sleeve and coaster

[0037]4. Inside seam of absorbent beverage sleeve and coaster

[0038]5. Description of type of material used for the beverage sleeve and coaster

[0039]6. Tubular shape and design with parallel opening for the beverage sleeve and coaster

[0040]7. Length of beverage sleeve and coaster

[0041]8. Depicted team logo embroidered on sleeve

[0042] Referring to the drawing, FIG. 1 shows the absorbent beverage sleeve and coaster generally holding a beverage can. The absorbent beverage sleeve is a tubular design.

[0043]FIG. 2 shows the top or bottom drawing of the absorbent beverage sleeve and coaster. It has an inside diameter (3) of 2 inches and an outside diameter (1) of 2.5 inches. The double thickness (2) of the absorbent stretchable material provides a absorbing function on the inside which fits snugly against the surface of the aluminum can or plastic or glass surface of the beverage container and a cushioned easy-grip feel on the outside of the container. Both absorbing surfaces work together to prevent any moisture or condensation from forming on the container surface and consequently eliminates moisture on hands, and dripping on clothes and surfaces that the container is resting on.

[0044]FIG. 3 is a side view of the absorbent beverage sleeve and coaster. It has a length (7) of 4½ inches. The design (6) is tubular with parallel opening at the top and bottom and is non-rigid allowing it to lie flat when not in use. The type of material used in this product (5) is consistent with a blend of cotton terrycloth (70-90%), nylon (5-10%), rubber (5-10%) and/or spandex (5-10%), allowing it to fit on all types of containers regardless of their varying diameters. The inside seam (4) is necessary to provide the double thickness of the absorbent beverage sleeve.

[0045] We claim a method of using a double wide wrist sweatband as a combination beverage sleeve and coaster for cold beverages. It is the correct size and material compilation to provide an absorbent beverage sleeve and coaster that will prevent condensation on cold beverage containers, as well as preventing subsequent moisture from getting on hands, clothes, and surfaces where the beverage resides. 

1. A beverage sleeve and coaster comprising: an elongated, stretchable, tubular band having an opening on each end for placing onto a cold beverage container, as well as positioning the sleeve on the container.
 2. The sleeve as set forth in claim 1 in which said sleeve is made of a moisture-absorbing material such that the sleeve functions to absorb the condensation of the cold beverage. 